Social Minister Describes DTSEN Presidential Instruction as Ministries and Regions Hoard Data

The Minister of Social Affairs (Mensos) Syaifullah Yusuf, known as Gus Ipul, promoted the National Single Data for Social and Economic Data (DTSEN) in Cikarang, Bekasi Regency. Gus Ipul spoke about the formation of DTSEN by President Prabowo Subianto. The remarks were made at the event ‘Collaboration of Presidential Priority Programs in Building Human Resources Towards Economic Independence’ at the Swatantara Wibawa Mukti Hall, Cikarang, Bekasi Regency, on Wednesday, 4 March 2026. Gus Ipul said that initially each ministry held its own data.

“Each ministry has its own data. The Ministry of Social Affairs has its own data. Bappenas has its own data. Then PLN will have its own, and BKKBN has its own. They have data of their own; as a result, the regions found it confusing to compile their own data,” Gus Ipul said in his address.

Gus Ipul noted that such data fragmentation led to sectoral ego. Social assistance (bansos) distribution ended up pegged to each set of data.”

“I’m confused making it myself, so the provinces have their own data, the districts have their own data, everyone keeps their own data. What happened then was sectoral ego. The Ministry of Social Affairs has its own data—this is arrogance, this showy attitude. It was managed by itself, then the bansos were distributed by themselves, evaluated by themselves, and ultimately applauded by themselves,” he explained.

“Other people may clap or not; it’s up to them. The important thing is that our affairs are in order. Others are doing the same thing. The data I am responsible for distributing is this one. Then it is measured by themselves, clapped by themselves, he added.

Therefore, Prabowo asked for the data of each body to be stopped. He issued Presidential Instruction (Inpres) No. 4 of 2025 on the National Single Data for Social and Economic Data (DTSEN), published on 5 February 2025.

“So why did the President issue one Inpres and hand it to BPS? BPS has the instruments to manage data comprehensively. Is it perfect yet? No. So BPS is also refining its mechanisms, improving measurement patterns, and addressing the various components required to make management more professional and accurate,” he said.

“Thus our task in the Inpres is for local governments, the Ministry of Social Affairs, and the Ministry of Villages to assist in updating. The data now, under the President’s directive, will be opened as widely as possible,” he concluded.